I need some help-Trig Identities

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In summary, Prove the following identities: (cos A = cos B)^2 + (sin A + sin B)^2 = 2[1+cos(A-B)]Left Side: (cos A + Cos B)^2 + (sin A + sin B)^2Right Side: 2+2cos(A-B)But that's as far as I can get. I can't find a way to make both sides equal, and I'm not even sure if my left side is correct...
  • #1
stuck
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Prove the following identities:

(cos A = cos B)^2 + (sin A + sin B)^2 = 2[1+cos(A-B)]



I'm really a mess at this stuff. I missed a few important days and fell behind, so I don't reeeally know what to do when things start getting squared and whatnot., but I tried! :bugeye:

Left Side
(cos A + Cos B)^2 + (sin A + sin B)^2
(cos(^2)A+cos(^2)B = Sin(^2)A+sin(^2)B
(cos (^2)A+cos(^2)B+ (1+-cos(^2)A + (1+-cos(^2)B)
2


Right Side
2+2cos(A-B)
2(cosAcosB+sinAsinB) +2

But that's as far as I can get. I can't find a way to make both sides equal, and I'm not even sure if my left side is correct...

Please help me if you can! :shy:
 
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  • #2
First, do you know what [tex](a+b)^2=...??[/tex] you have not expanded well. Give it another shot.

[tex] (cosA+cosB)^2=...?...[/tex]

[tex](sinA+sinB)^2=...?[/tex]

After you expand this, remember also that:

[tex] cos^2A+sin^2A=1, and, sin^2B+cos^2B=1[/tex]

And somewhere in between you will end up with sth like this

[tex]2+ 2cosBcosA+2sinAsinB[/tex] now the answer should be obvious, right?
 
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  • #3
Urk, I thought that because in my third step on the left I had (cos^2A) and (-cos ^2A), that they would cancel...?
 
  • #4
[tex](sinA+sinB)^2=sin^2A+2sinAsinB+sin^2B...?[/tex]

also

[tex] (cosA+cosB)^2=cos^2A+2cosAcosB+cos^2B[/tex]


Can you go from here now?

Just use the hints that i gave you on my post #2

also, another hint, altough you should have figured this out by yourself

[tex]cos(A-B)=cosAcosB+sinAsinB[/tex]
 
  • #5
I think I can I didnt know that before, I will try to work it out now!
 
  • #6
stuck said:
I think I can I didnt know that before, I will try to work it out now!

I wrote in there everything you need to do that problem, you only need to put all the hints together.
 
  • #7
I got it, Thank you!
 
  • #8
stuck said:
I got it, Thank you!

You're welcome. THis is what PF is for!
 

1. What are trigonometric identities?

Trigonometric identities are equations that are true for all values of the variables involved. They are used to manipulate and simplify trigonometric expressions.

2. Why do we need to learn trigonometric identities?

Trigonometric identities are essential in various mathematical and scientific fields, such as calculus, physics, and engineering. They allow us to solve complex problems and make calculations more efficient.

3. How do I prove trigonometric identities?

To prove a trigonometric identity, you need to manipulate one side of the equation using algebraic and trigonometric properties until it is equivalent to the other side. This process may involve using trigonometric identities, simplifying expressions, and using algebraic techniques.

4. What is the difference between a Pythagorean identity and a co-function identity?

A Pythagorean identity relates the three basic trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, and tangent) in a right triangle, while a co-function identity relates the values of a trigonometric function and its complementary angle (90 degrees minus the original angle).

5. How can I use trigonometric identities to solve real-life problems?

Trigonometric identities can be used to solve problems involving angles and distances, such as finding the height of a building or the distance between two points. They also have applications in fields like navigation, surveying, and astronomy.

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